Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Amenorrhea (lack of menstrual period)

There is limited evidence to support the use of dong quai for a lack of menstrual period. More research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

C

Arthritis

Dong quai has been traditionally used for arthritis. However, there is a lack of evidence to support its use for this condition. Further research is needed.

C

Blood circulation

A combination Chinese product containing dong quai may reduce limb swelling and promote blood circulation. However, the effect of dong quai alone is unclear and more research is needed.

C

Death and dying

There is a lack of evidence to support the use of dong quai as a treatment for rhesus incompatibility (a condition in which a woman and her unborn child have incompatible blood types).

C

Decreased blood platelets

There is promising early evidence to support the use of dong quai as part of a combination treatment for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets). Further research is needed.

C

Heart disease

Early study suggests that dong quai in combination with other herbs may have protective heart health benefits, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve coronary heart disease symptoms. However, there is a lack of human research on the possible effects of dong quai alone. Further studies are needed.

C

Immune function

Dong quai extract has been shown to stimulate the immune system in people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for breast cancer. However, further research is needed in this area.

C

Kidney disease (Glomerulonephritis)

There is a lack of evidence to support the use of dong quai as a treatment for glomerulonephritis (in which kidney damage affects the filtering of waste and fluids from blood). Further study is needed.

C

Lichen planus (itchy skin rash)

There is a lack of evidence to support the use of dong quai to treat lichen planus in the vagina. High-quality research is needed in this area.

C

Menstrual cramps

Early study has found promising results for the use of dong quai in combination with other herbs to treat menstrual cramps. More high-quality human evidence is needed.

C

Menstrual migraine headache

There is promising early evidence to support the use of dong quai as part of a combination therapy for menstrual migraine headache. However, further research is needed on the possible benefits of dong quai alone.

C

Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs)

Dong quai may improve high blood pressure in the lungs, blood thickness, and red blood cell volume. Further research is needed.

C

Sexual dysfunction

A cream containing dong quai and other herbs has been shown to improve sexual function and satisfaction. Early study suggests that dong quai in combination with other herbs may also improve or reduce hot flashes, as well as decrease fatigue and sleep problems. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.

C

Stroke

Dong quai has been studied for benefits on blood flow and memory in people who have had a stroke. A combination product containing dong quai has been studied for the prevention of blood clots in the brain. Further research is needed.

C

Ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease)

Dong quai may benefit people who have blood disorders associated with ulcerative colitis. More research is needed to confirm these early results.

D

Menopause

Dong quai has been used as part of traditional Chinese formulas to treat menopause symptoms. Dong quai may have estrogen-like effects and has been studied for the treatment of hot flashes. However, the only study using dong quai alone found a lack of effectiveness on menopause symptoms. High-quality research is still needed in this area.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.